DARRELL Clarke is hoping to build on Barnsley’s better form at Oakwell recently when they host two of the club’s ‘bogey teams’ this week.
The Reds drew 1-1 at Cambridge on Saturday which left them fifth in League One with 26 points from 15 games.
They host Wigan Athletic tomorrow then Reading on Tuesday – two clubs who have excellent records at Oakwell.
The Reds were hopeful the Wigan game would go ahead as of Thursday but there was an element of doubt after snowfall on Tuesday, low temperatures and more snow forecast for the weekend.
Barnsley are unbeaten in six league games at home since the opening day loss to Mansfield Town and, last time they played at Oakwell, they beat Rotherham United for a second league win on their own soil this campaign.
Clarke told the Chronicle: “The fans have been magnificent since I’ve come in. Yes, there has been frustration with some of our results. But they gave the lads a standing ovation on Saturday.
“We need to be consistent. The more we win, the more they will be on board but I have no doubt they will be against Wigan. I am hoping we’re getting there at home. The most important thing is our overall performances have been better. We’re getting better combinations, quality and decision-making.
“When you do that, and work hard, confidence starts coming through and the lads will get their rewards.”
Wigan were tipped by some for a promotion challenge after appearing to overcome their financial issues last season following a takeover. But they are currently 19th – 12 points off the top six and one clear of the relegation zone.
They have only won one of their last nine league games, a 3-0 success at home to Peterborough on October 1, after which they have taken two points from five games. They were beaten 1-0 at home to leaders Wycombe before having two weeks off from league action during the international break.
Wigan have scored the second fewest goals in the division but have the third best defensive record.
Shaun Maloney’s side have only won once away from home in the league this season, a 4-0 success at Bristol Rovers in September. Their last game on the road in the league saw them go 2-0 up at Blackpool then score two own goals including one in injury-time in a 2-2 draw. Clarke said: “They are a very good, possession-based team.
“They will be disappointed not to have more points but Shaun Maloney is a talented manager and a good guy.
“They have had ownership changes.
“They have yo-yoed between divisions and even dabbled with the Premier League. But they have fallen a little bit on harder times. Then it takes time for a manager. He probably hasn’t got the financial resources the club had in the past. They have really good young talent, who sometimes make mistakes.
“They are very easy on the eye.”
Defender Toby Sibbick, who played 56 games for Barnsley between 2019 and 2022, joined Wigan in the summer and has started just two league games.
Sibbick’s former Hearts team-mate Stephen Humphrys, now at Barnsley, left Wigan at the end of last season.
The clubs have met 19 times, winning six games each. The Reds have not lost any of the last five, drawing three and winning two including on penalties in the EFL Cup in Wigan in August with Donovan Pines scoring in the 1-1 draw.
Wigan have never lost in the league at Oakwell in seven games, winning three and conceding just twice.
The Latics’ only defeat in nine visits to Barnsley was their first, in the FA Cup in 1954. The last three have been draws including a 1-1 game on New Year’s Day this year, in which Barnsley conceded an 87th-minute leveller.
